Natalie's Deception (The Candy Cane Girls Book 5)

by Bonnie Engstrom

  Natalie wished he was, too, but she heard the music for her entrance, and Jill was waving her forward. As she measured her steps to the off-beat music of Get This Party Started, she noticed for the first time the table on the right with a small sign. It was almost empty, but the sign said, “Please take a bag and blow your heart out when the minister says we are “Man and wife.” She couldn’t resist and picked up a bag. Maybe it was for her, too.

  ~

  Natalie, Maid of Honor, tried to not stumble down the aisle. Her back was hurting badly, and she wished she had a male partner to hang on to. But, all the men were lined up beside Nick. She finally reached her place with a smile pasted on her face. After all the other bridesmaids collected in the front, the upbeat version of the wedding march began. As Emily danced down the aisle on Bill Senior’s arm she gasped and her mouth hung open. Here was Bride Emily, who had insisted on wild colors for the entire ceremony and her attendants, in the most exquisite white gown Natalie had ever seen. The intricate lace clung to her lithe body interspersed with delicate, sheer see-through tulle. The long sleeves were the same fabric with lace overlays at the shoulders and wrists, but because of the transparency of the tulle one could hardly see it. The lace seemed to be floating on her arms. It was extremely formal and so out of character and unexpected for this wedding that many guests gasped, oohing and awing. Natalie was sure Connie had designed it and hoped it would be a signature design for her company.

  Finally, Natalie was cradling Emily’s opulent, cascading bouquet of riotous colors during the ceremony, the bundle of flowers so unique for a bride. Once again Braydon had outdone himself. She wondered how he managed it, as well as being a groomsman. Rob was the Best Man for his friend Nick, and even though Jaeda and Billy didn’t know Nick well, they stood for him, too. Standing tall between Rob and Braydon was Brad, Nick’s surfing buddy. Natalie hadn’t seen him since last Christmas at the Lovejoy’s party. She had forgotten how cute he was. His dark hair was shorter making his jawline appear more square and showing off the dimple in his chin. Maybe she would get to dance with him during the reception. She turned her wandering thoughts back to the ceremony when she heard the pastor say, “Ring, please.” He sounded a bit firm. Had he said it before? Why was everyone in the wedding party staring at her? Natalie felt her cheeks burn.

  She reached between “her girls,” as she called them. She dug and dug and tears stung her eyes. Where was the little velvet bag? She had been so fearful of losing Emily’s ring that she tucked it in its little pouch between “the girls.” The pastor paused and rolled his eyes. Claire gasped. There was a dead silence from all of the guests, except for a few loud whispers. Finally, Claire stood up and grabbed the waistline of Natalie’s fancy dress in her hands and shook, hard. The velvet pouch dropped to the floor.

  Horns sounded, whistles blew. Wolf whistles resounded. The wedding was over, and Natalie was very glad. All the guests had used the fun things in their bags and celebrated the couple with hoots and hollers and loud whooshes. The couple almost danced down the aisle and jumped on a bright metallic orange Harley and zoomed off in a loud roar.

  Natalie grinned to herself. She knew that was all for show. They would be back in ten minutes. Meanwhile, the crew of teens she’d hired from church raced to fold the guest chairs stacking many in another workout room and placing some around the round tables they opened and rapidly draped with multi-striped cloths. Melanie and the other Candy Cane bridesmaids grabbed small vases of flowers from under the table in the entry that was now piled high with gifts. They quickly placed the vases in the middle of each table, adjusted the chairs around them and lined up outside to greet the couple when they returned. The groomsmen were helping the disc jockey set his equipment up on the hurriedly assembled small raised stage. He blew in the mic to test it, then put on the first song. Meanwhile, the guests had been led by Connie and Jaeda to another adjoining workout room where she ladled punch into glasses. Natalie was so glad she had rehearsed everyone. It was all going so well, until . . .

  CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

  The loud explosion shattered the cool night air. Guests screamed, some hugged each other, others paled and stood like statues. Natalie knew what it was, but she never dreamed it would frighten people. Hadn’t they heard fireworks before?

  Suddenly, Bill Lord Senior was speaking into the microphone, yelling for everyone to go outside and greet the returning couple. Guests clumped together in small groups as Nick and Emily roared into sight with arms high in the air. Fortunately, Nat thought, for only a second or two. Color was bursting above them in brief splashes of exploding stars. They jumped off the bike, embraced and kissed passionately. Then Emily turned to her attendants, scanned all six of them and smiled mischievously. She raised her gorgeous bouquet high above her head, and using her best basketball pass tossed it directly to Natalie. Everyone clapped; some hooted and hollered, and one woman standing behind Natalie whispered, “Wasn’t she supposed to turn around?” Her companion hushed her and whispered back, “This isn’t a traditional wedding. No protocol here. None necessary,” he said firmly. Natalie learned later they were the doctor couple whose office impressed her so much she decided to hire Emily for the gym re-do.

  Under Bill Lord’s direction everyone filed into the transformed gym. The mirrored balls still twisted from the ceiling glittering with colors. A long table of hors d’ourves graced one wall, and a small round table with the most unusual wedding cake Nat had ever seen had taken the place of the alter. Emily had put her design stamp even on the cake and the hors d’ourves. The cake was a burst of multi-colored fondant ribbons and flowers cascading down all its octagonal sides. The food was typical off-the-wall Emily – not elaborate or fancy; rather, simple fun snack foods one might serve at a kids’ party. Natalie bit into a miniature hot dog wrapped in crunchy croissant dough and piled her plate high with Nachos made from Cindy’s special recipe. She wanted to save room for the rainbow cake.

  She heard bursts of laughter and noticed the newly wedded couple had separated and were visiting at the guest tables. No sweetheart table for them, just enjoying themselves and honoring their guests with their company. It had been such a unique and special wedding. Since Emily had no family, she had honored Bill Lord Senior to walk, oops dance, down the aisle with her, and he had honored her by being at her side. He was the perfect fatherly figure, and Natalie was thrilled for the two of them. She noticed Noelle and Braydon had seemed a bit moist-eyed when Emily told them during the brief rehearsal. Maybe they had hoped Logan Lovejoy or Darrell Day would have been selected. But, Bill was the perfect choice, almost like a surrogate father to all of them. Nat smiled secretly to herself that she was glad Bill worked out frequently at her gym. His dance steps accompanying Emily down the aisle were pretty well orchestrated. Had he and Emily practiced? Maybe he had taken Arthur Murray. Naw, he was a natural. She remembered him dancing at his own wedding with Vivian. A stylish couple.

  Vivian and Candy rushed over to her almost knocking her plate out of her hands. “What does this mean, Nat?” Candy’s mom asked referring to the bouquet toss. Candy whispered in Nat’s ear. “Just play along. She’s an incurable romantic.”

  “Nothing that I know of, yet.”

  “Well, dear, God knows. There is a special man out there waiting for you. I’m sure your parents prayed for him since the day you were born.” Vivian touched her arm lightly and disappeared. Candy gave her a sisterly hug and followed her mother.

  Did they, Nat wondered, pray for her? From the day she was born? Her parents were huddled in a corner with the two doctors. They appeared to be in a deep conversation. She hoped they weren’t being too controversial. They had attended church all through Nat’s growing up years and shoved her into Sunday school classes. But, were they really believers? Or, had they done what they thought was the right thing bringing up their daughter?

  When the dance music started, she decided to let go of her ruminations; they could wait for another time. Nick and Emily ra
n to each other’s arms and started to twirl. Suddenly, the music changed tempo. What was happening?

  Nick’s mom Claire calmly walked up to them and tapped Emily on the shoulder. The bride grinned, so it was probably okay. Nick looked surprised but opened his arms to his mother. This was her moment, and Natalie expected the typical mother-son dance.

  Claire sang the words “Be kind, be fair, be loving,” in a crisp soprano voice. Suddenly, she backed away from Nick and snapped her fingers. Then the fun began. Claire gyrated, her hips shaking and her elaborate hand gestures wigwagging and sending clues to Nick. “You will always be the one I love,” the music played. Nick picked up Claire’s movements, and they danced in tandem prancing all over the small floor laughing and enjoying each other’s company, and, Nat thought, truly loving each other. Nick ended the dance with a huge embrace of Claire, then swinging her high above his head. For the finale, both raised their arms jumping and grinning. Then, all the attendants joined them, and the fun moment kept on going.

  Jaeda twirled Connie so many times Natalie couldn’t keep track and worried about Connie fainting. Cindy and Rob were more subdued, but did do a few twirls. Braydon and Noelle spun like whirling dervishes until Noelle fanned her face and sat down. Candy and Devin, and finally Bill and Vivian, joined the crazy dance ensemble. Nat was surprised, maybe a bit taken back, when Billy asked Melanie to dance. Was he trying to make Nat jealous? Once again she felt left alone.

  That’s when she felt a warm hand on her shoulder. “May I have the honor?” Brad? The beautiful surfer? The one who distracted her during the wedding ceremony? “Yes, thank you,” she said with trembling voice and rose.

  EPILOGUE

  Natalie tugged off her sandals. The other women did, too. All the Candy Cane attendants tossed them on the floor and sighed, rubbing their aching feet. She noticed Noelle had a strange expression on her face. Was she okay? She had scooted to the restroom and returned looking a little pale. All the girls were tired, but happy for Nick and Emily. Their wedding was a true party, just as Emily wanted. The cake when finally cut was an unusual layering of pink (strawberry?), bittersweet chocolate and something green flecked with snippets of nuts. Maybe pistachio? Very unique, very delicious. Finally, everyone left, all laughing and in good spirits. Natalie rose to close her office door then dropped into her desk chair. She pressed a hand to her forehead and stifled a sob. Why did she feel so glum? She had had a wonderful dancing experience with Brad. Such a gentleman, even giving her the option to twirl, actually asking her. She remembered Connie had told her Jaeda did that, too, when they danced at the Balboa Pavilion. But, Brad had said goodnight and disappeared into the dusk. Just as she picked up her sandals by the silver straps, her cell phone beeped. Not sure if she was up to replying to a message, or even looking at one, she succumbed when it beeped a second time. Larry the PI, then Bryce. Hoping they had hooked up, that Larry had found the vanished Bryce, she checked.

  Found him! Finally. This man does not want to be found, but I did. Bringing him back to Newport where he will share as he did with me. Tomorrow morning, meet at your gym. Larry

  The next text was from Bryce. She almost didn’t want to read it after all the deception.

  Hoping for forgiveness. I was a heal and a coward. Coming home now to do my job at the gym. I will try to explain. Please call my parents and tell them I am safe.

  Nat was confused and reluctant to make that call. Once again, Bryce shifted his responsibility. This again on her. So unfair. But, knowing how the Armstrongs were overcome with worry, she dialed their number.

  ~

  Nat was glad the wedding and all the preparations were over, and she was glad Bryce was safe. But, she was physically and emotionally drained, and angry. Shoving the mound of papers to the already stacked pile on her desk, she laid her forehead on the coolness of the desktop. And prayed.

  “Please, Lord, give me direction. I am so confused, I don’t know where to go or whom to trust.”

  Later today she would meet with Bryce, after the Candy Canes got together for brunch to re-hash the fun wedding and share all the latest life stuff from each of them. The men were going to play golf. Nat laughed to herself wondering who would drive the golf carts. She envisioned Billy zooming around the velvety grass on two wheels, maybe Bill Senior, too. She knew they would have fun and would form some great guy friendships.

  The girls had a tradition of always going to The Cannery Restaurant for their annual pre-Christmas lunch, but today they deviated. It was the perfect memory venue, The Sherman Foundation Gardens where Braydon and Noelle had married. As luck had it, the Vista del Mar High School PTA was having its annual, and very elegant, home tour – a major fundraiser – and luncheon at the Garden was part of it. Because she was a teacher at the school, Noelle finagled the last few tickets. It was a bit cool, but each of the girls donned sweaters or light jackets so they could sit outside on the flagstone patio. Although it had been almost more than twelve years since they’d all graduated, most of them hadn’t changed much in appearance. Cindy’s, Natalie’s, Noelle’s and Candy’s hair was still piled up in poufs from the wedding, Darlene’s was cropped short for her modeling appearance, and Connie had just started to wear maternity clothes, of her own design. Melanie’s bob barely touched her shoulders. Suddenly, their intimate, whispered conversations were interrupted.

  Teachers and former parents surrounded them exclaiming “The Candy Canes!” Hugs abounded, and Cindy brought out pictures of little Rob. Natalie noticed Melanie was very quiet. She seemed left out. Was it because the well-wishers knew that she had been Bruce Walker’s step-daughter, or because she wasn’t a Candy Cane groupie? Finally, Noelle stood up and gestured toward Melanie to introduce her.

  Marta Beasley, still voluptuous in a low-cut striking red dress, ran to hug her. Typical Marta, she said a few inappropriate things that were whispered in Melanie’s ear and hopefully few others heard. “You poor child having to deal with that horrible man. Are you okay now?” Melanie nodded and hugged her back warmly. “Yes, Mrs. Beasley, much thanks to you I am.” Bossy Beasley grinned and finally moved away patting her chest above the semi-exposed cleavage.

  If the girls hurried they might have time to explore a few of the Home Tour houses. They all ran to the restroom chattering. Melanie, Doreen and Candy waited outside breathing the scent of the flowers. Natalie, Cindy and Connie were washing their hands when they heard Noelle gagging in a stall. They all looked at each other, eyebrows raised. Could she be, was she? Cindy had been there; now Connie was, too. They shoved Nat out the door. “We will handle this,” Cindy said winking.

  Five minutes later they came out holding Noelle’s arms between them. “Noelle,” Cindy said in a stage whisper, “has an announcement.”

  “But,” Connie said firmly, “ it is still a secret. Except from us. Shh.” She pushed Noelle into her circle of friends.

  ~

  Bryce never showed up. Natalie was still fuming about his deception, how he was the sky dive instructor who had left her limping and injured. She swiped her hands together over all the papers on her desk. Good riddance. Thank God she had no romantic interest in him, never had. But, their friendship was now ruined. Even an apology from him would be difficult to accept. She knew she was supposed to forgive seventy times seven. God really expected a lot. She pressed her fist into the ache in her back and asked God for that ability.

  Tonight she was meeting Larry the Private Investigator at, of all places, Starbucks. It had become the traditional meeting place for all the Candy Canes and friends, a great place for non-dates. She leaned back in her office chair and crossed her hands over her heart to pray for her sisters in Christ.

  “Thank you so much, Jesus, for all the wonderful blessings. Connie and Jaeda expecting, Noelle and Braydon now expecting, precious little Robbie Lovejoy, and Emily and Nick finding love. Now, Lord, I am still in the waiting mode. Please find a love for me. Give me a sign.”

  She stacked the mess of papers into a
pile, rose from her chair and locked the office door. In twenty minutes she would meet Larry for coffee. Would he be the one?

  The End

  “A grandchild.” What Bonnie Engstrom prayed for many years. Finally, it happened, then there was the explosion – six grandchildren! Four live in Scottsdale a stone’s throw from her and Grandpa Dave, and two live in Costa Rica on the beach. Surf’s Up! Pura Vida.

  When she finally realized her other dream of publishing Christian fiction she sandwiched it between taking kids to soccer practice and gymnastics (after the years of changing diapers). Now, she juggles picking up four children after school to help her daughter who is the director of a Christian Pre-school and Kindergarten, and when the kids are settled with their IPads (best Christmas present ever), she slinks into her den and writes.

  Life is frantic and crazy sometimes, but always entertaining and filled with joy.

  Bonnie and her psychologist husband Dave have been married for over 53 years. A true milestone for a shrink. Yes, we all affectionately refer to him as the resident shrink who now teaches online classes for the University of Phoenix and classes at the hospital where he is on staff, and frequently babysits his grandkids. He is a great support to Bonnie in her writing, and as the now resident chef makes a succulent dinner.

  Bonnie was raised in Pittsburgh, PA and Dave in Chicago, and they raised their children in Newport Beach for over thirty years. So if you have roots in any, please share. If you wish to contact her, please email her at bengstrom@hotmail.com. Be sure to put the word BOOK in the subject line in case your post goes into her crazy junk mail file.

  If you enjoyed Natalie’s Deception, please start from the beginning of the Candy Canes stories and read Noelle’s Christmas Wedding. I promise you will not be disappointed. All the Candy Cane girls are unique and have fun, share faith and friendship.